You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum was one of my most anticipated YA romcoms after loving the author’s debut last year. I’m so grateful to @WednesdayBooks for a copy.

Junie secretly hooked up with one of her best friends, Graham, last summer then did an unforgivable thing to keep it secret that almost tore her close-knit friend group apart. They’re finally back on track—mostly, and Junie has promised herself to stop thinking about Graham as anything but a friend. Easier said than done. Then her mother announces they’re moving in with her boyfriend and his surly daughter Tallulah, which means Junie has to move to the other side of the island—away from all her friends, and all the traditions she loves. She just wants one more summer for everything to be normal, but maybe what she really needs is a change.

This book has a lot of threads. Tons of characters, many of whom added local charm. A summer play Junie bribes her friends to help with. An absent parent storyline that’s pretty heartbreaking. Close friendships with lots of romantic tension and lots of fights. And some pretty dramatic moments along the way.

I enjoyed so much about You Wouldn’t Dare. I definitely liked Graham and his steady presence, and Milo, Junie’s best friend. Lucy, the last member of their foursome is also great, and has a lovely arc in the story. I loved the theater element and I loved the small town hijinks that were laced throughout the book. I also loved the relationship between Junie and her mother and the way Junie’s relationship with Tallulah developed.

Ultimately for me though, there was a little too much going on. I had trouble keeping track of the characters in the beginning, and even as I try to describe the book here I feel like I’m leaving out a ton. I might have wanted a little more of the primary love story.

I listened to this one thanks to @orangeskyaudio, and the audiobook was great. The narrator did a great job with the characters.

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

Juniper “Junie” Nash is a typical teen, living in a small town with her single mom, working and hanging out with her lifelong friends. But there are growing pains aplenty when her mom wants to them to move in with her boyfriend on the other side of town, making her high school nemesis, Tallulah her new roommate, and quite possibly, her sister one day.

As if this change wasn’t taxing enough, Juniper’s feelings towards her close friend, Graham have changed, too. Not wanting to risk their friendship, the teens struggle with their growing attraction for one another, and what it would mean to their friend group dynamic. Oh and did I mention Juniper’s absentee dad is slated to visit just in time for Junie’s community theater performance?

I seem to be in the minority, but I liked, yet didn’t love this book. Maybe it’s just like the used to say in the old action movies of the 80s and I really am too old for this shit. I just didn’t find anything particularly relatable or memorable about the story. Also, I found Junie to be a bit self centered and annoying, only seeing things from her whiny perspective. She spent a lot of time complaining about Tallulah, but I actually found her to be the less grating of the two girls.

One final footnote. I read this as an audiobook, so maybe that’s why some redundancy stood out. For example, the author used the term “shot him a flat look” a A LOT. This, along with what often times felt like unnecessary angst, left You Wouldn’t Dare feel not so daring, truthfully.

This was a cute YA second chance summer romance with lots of family drama. It's just been Juniper and her mom for a long time but when her mom decides to move in with her boyfriend, suddenly Juniper's life is turned upside down as she has to learn how to get along with Tallulah - the daughter of her mom's boyfriend.

Not only is grumpy Tallulah her new housemate, she's also working at her mom's cafe and seems to always be around. Add in a bit of boy drama and a literal drama as Juniper works on a Shakespeare production and this book did not lack for entertainment.

Perfect for fans of Emma Lord's When you get the chance or KL Walther's Summer of broken rules and good on audio narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. I didn't love this one as much as the author's last book but it was still enjoyable. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is a great beach read. It makes me anxious for summer to come. I loved the story. It was different from the others previous work but sooo good. The narrator for the audiobook did an incredible job.

Mini synopsis: Juniper Nash kissed Graham & that’s when everything changed. Now, their friendship is weird, Junie’s moving away from her childhood home, the community theatre production needs more cast members, and Tallulah, her moms bf’s daughter, hates her! The summer just got a lot more complicated!

I LOVED this! Some of my favorite tropes happened throughout this book & I wasn’t expecting it! we have friends to lovers, a tight friendship group, messy relationships, theater productions, summer vibes, strong family vibes, just everything I love!🥰🥰 I finished this over a week ago & im still smiling at the cuteness.

My favorite parts are when the main characters all come together, whether that be to save the play or to ban together to make sure everyone makes it home safe from a party. I felted all the wholesome vibes of a last summer together! I loved how Junie & Tallulah’s friendship grew, that slow pace friendship but know it’s gonna last. The last scene with Graham & his mom & the house my heart 🥹🥹🥹

Thank you Netgalley and OrangeSky Audio for the ALC.

Story: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Narration: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

You Wouldn’t Dare is the perfect read for those who grew up reading Sarah Dessen novels. Set in an adorable beach town, this coming of age story follows Juniper Nash. Juniper is trying to navigate big life changes (moving, a new stepdad, college applications, etc.) while also working to fix the broken friendship between her and her ex, Graham. On top of all of this, Juniper is tasked with saving the community theater production. Overall, it will be a summer to remember.

I truly loved this story and it made me long for summertime. Juniper is a fun, messy, dramatic character and I rooted for her always (even when she was making me cringe). The romance between her and Graham is sweet and full of angst. I loved this cast of characters and hope that Markum writes more stories set in this dreamy town.

Jesse Vilinsky is perfection as always. She should read every YA book.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Flew through this! It was so exciting and nostalgic and fun, and the narrator had the most soothing and emotional and interesting voice.

I loved the theme of best friends and romance and just coming of age. I adored the seaside setting and the side characters and the adorable romance.

I really enjoy Samantha Markum's books. She has this way of writing that feels casual and easy, but gets to the heart of the story in a super fun way. I enjoy how she writes relatable and honest characters and situations that are true to life but also fun to read. I listened to the first half and wish that I had just made time to sit down and sink into her writing.

This story of Graham and Juniper is complex and fun and filled with the kind of growth that I like best. After kissing all of the previous summer, unexpected events and life break them apart. But when they are together again through community theater and major life changes the summer before their senior year, sparks fly and things change. I love a story with a good growth arch, romance and fun friend groups. This is all three at its finest.

🎧Song Pairing: Happier - Olivia Rodrigo

💭What I thought would happen:

I thought it would be a cute young adult summer love on the boardwalk kind of book.

📖What actually happens:

Juniper Nash is having quite a time lately. Her once (possibly still) crush, Graham, barely talks to her anymore after she accidentally assisted in his father’s affair, she’s up for drama president and her mother and boyfriend are about to move in together which means Juniper is giving up her bedroom and childhood home. What is a teenage girl to do?

🗯Thoughts:

Calling all Emma Lord fans, this one is for you. In particular I got a serious When You Get the Chance vibe. The theatre, young love, family drama and MC obsessed with complex carbohydrate/trans fats that someone with a high metabolism never has to stressed over.

The drama from Juniper Nash grew old quick (I blame her I’m not like other girls name) I think she was my least favourite character. Everyone else brought out the best in her and of the story.

I’d say it’s not an overly memorable story. It was sweet and cute and everything in between that you’d expect from a YA. The food sounded quite tasty but I personally don’t orgasm for maple bacon doughnuts.

Young adults are sure to enjoy this romance set in a small island off the coast of Florida. Juniper (Junie) Nash Abreheart's life is changing dramatically this summer. Her mom is moving the two of them in with her boyfriend, who lives on the 'snobby' side of the island. And, his daughter Tallulah who isn't Junie's top choice of companions.

Junie really wants her father to see her in the summer play, but he rarely comes through on promises. Her best friend Milo is the sheriff's son and has to toe the line. Graham is the boy she likes, but she's terrified of getting close enough to him to be hurt. Graham struggles with sleep since his new baby half-brother cries a lot. And Tallulah has her own baggage--she was there when her mother died and feels responsible. All of the teens are dealing with problems and struggling to find their way to adulthood.

Jesse Vilinsky, veteran voice over actor and audiobook reader, convincingly switches from character to character in the large cast and all sound believable. Teens are sure to enjoy this second book by author Samantha Markum though adults may feel a bit frustrated with the teen angst.

Recommended for fans of Ashley Elston and Sarah Dessen.

Juniper Nash is faced with some major life changes coming up. It's bad enough that it's the summer before her senior year, but now her mom has decided that they should move in with Paul, the man her mom has been seeing for some time now. He's not that bad, but his daughter Tallulah is a piece of work. And Juniper has enough on her plate already! With college less than a year away, she has to make this next year count! And everyone thinks she and her best friend Miles are meant to be together, yet Junie can't stop thinking about their other friend Graham and how it felt to kiss him.

As she tries to navigate her way through life changes and growing up, she makes matters worse by assuming things that aren't always right. (Like... Most of the time, they aren't right.)

There was a lot that I liked about the story, including how her friends were there to support her and how people rallied around to help when she needed it most. Yet honestly, I didn't find Junie to be a likable character. She was bossy, demanding and wanted her way more often than not. She has the unyielding support of three best friends, Miles, Graham and Lucy, even when she hurts them. But I didn't see anything in her character that would have called for that kind of loyalty.

If you read the story simply accepting that Junie is as she is, as everyone else seems to, it was a good story. I just wish the main character had more redeeming qualities.

Thank you to Samantha Markum, OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Audiobook Review - I really enjoyed this audiobook, the mother daughter relationship was refreshing and realistic. The changing friendship dynamics were true to contemporary YA lit and the new family scenario was enjoyable and relatable for many teen readers. Recommended for all teen collections.

Firstly, I’d like to say how much I adore this cover! It’s so lovely and I couldn’t stop staring at it while reading the book.

Secondly—this book! I was nervous because this has been an anticipated read of mine but I had no reason to be. I enjoyed the main characters and their relationships. Markum does such a beautiful job curating these endearing and wonderful characters with seemingly real personalities and ambitions. I absolutely busted out laughing so many times! This book was so fun, witty and honest!

2.5 stars [Meh] - out March 28
The writing, narration and characters were good but this book was WAY too long in my opinion. The story was too ordinary to have so many words. I grew super tired and just wanted it to end. If I didn’t have the audiobook, it would have been a DNF for me. At X2.5 speed I was able to power through but it was too little to late for me, I was no longer invested.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing free advanced copy of this ebook and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @tlcbooktours @orangeskyaudio and author @samanthamarkum for the advanced listening copy, receipt of which did not impact my review. Pub Date: 3/28/23.

You Wouldn’t Dare was such a sweet coming-of-age story where many can find a reason to relate. A foursome of friends - Juniper Nash (Junie or JN), Graham, Milo, and Lucy - are in their summer before senior year of high school, and the drama has only begun. The story is entirely in Junie’s POV, and focuses on light and heavier topics, including an absent father; her Mom’s relationship with a nice man (Paul) on the other side of town; Tallulah, Paul’s daughter, who doesn’t like Junie; community theater; and leftover drama from last summer that involved Junie and Graham. Junie is a bit over the top but full of love for her friends and Mom.

Narrator Jessie Vilensky was perfection as Junie. I felt like I was in the middle of the FL summer with them. I highly recommend this lovely story for anyone who wants to reminisce about their teenage summers.

I will always pick up a YA summer romance. Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson have me conditioned.

I found this very cute! Along with the romance, there was found family, breaking through emotional barriers, tough family dynamics, and coming of age. Juniper did annoy me quite a bit in the beginning (mean girl vibes), but she redeemed herself. Graham wasn’t my favorite love interest, but he suited the story well.

I wouldn’t rave about this book, but it’s a good one to grab on the airplane or sitting outside on the deck.

3.75⭐️

Samantha Markum shines in You Wouldn't Dare, a coming of age young adult read.

Juniper kissed her best friend, Graham, last summer and nothing was the same. A year later, Juniper and Graham are reunited to put on a summer play and capture memories. Memories that also include a new step sister, Tallulah, and her dad coming into town.

Feelings are shared, kisses are stolen and memories are made the summer before senior year. Both wouldn't dare to go back to those kisses a summer ago. But is fate putting them back together?

I listened to Markum's sophomore novel and found it better than her first novel. Jesse Vilinsky does a wonderful job of setting the scene and making the reader feel that they are living in this coastal beach town. I definitely recommend others pick up this audio young adult release soon!

There were a lot of things that I loved about this book. I loved that it addressed abortion. I loved learning more about the Jane Network. I loved learning more about Canada’s abortion laws. I loved the author’s note and the author’s reasons for writing this book.

But the writing didn’t work for me. The writing was prim and proper and so were the characters. I didn’t believe that those prim and proper ladies would take the risks that they took.

And I thought the ending was completely cheesy and so unrealistic that it took me out of the story and made this go from a 4 star to a 3 star for me.

I think a lot of this might be me. I have never been a big fan of historical fiction, but after reading Yellow Wife and House of Eve, I wanted to read more and I liked that this addressed abortion. Overall, it was a good book and I learned a lot, but the writing and ending kind of ruined it for me.

DNFed audiobook at 30%, I gave it a try but cannot deal with drinking, cussing teenagers. Not a great example for the teenagers I have book club with. It wasn’t very engaging either.

Last summer, Juniper Nash kissed her best friend right before his world fell apart. Now, they've mostly pretended nothing happened and they're navigating their friendship through what's sure to be a crazy summer for Juniper, who is also dealing with a potential new stepfamily.

So much of this was adorable; the summer in a small town setting, serious Dawson's Creek vibes. great narrator I really thought I would love it. As a huge fan of Joey & Pacey on Dawson's Creek, and as a person who's had crushes on friends, I generally love that story.... but for some reason Juni just annoyed me. She is simultaneously overthinking things (her whole relationship with Graham) and acting impulsively (with her friends, at the parties, with the theater crew). I also felt like the book was way too long for the story; several times (33%, 65% & 80%) in I couldn't believe how much was still left or imagine where the story was going. I think the issue is when you have a whole TV show like Dawson's Creek or Gilmore Girls, things can build slowly because the character growth and will-they-or-won't-they stuff is the secondary or tertiary story and in this book that's the main plot so it feels lengthy.

I do think the book was well written, I just think that the will they or won't they thing wasn't enough to carry the whole book without any other major plot points. I also think the issues i had with the book would be more easily overlooked by someone still in their teens; I could definitely see this going over well with Sarah Dessen fans.